Avs on a Roll

Posted 12:25 PM ET | Comments 3

Chalk another win up for Colorado during their "March Madness"! I don't think any team is better during this month, this year and last year - I just hope it doesn't end up with them missing the playoffs by one measly point thanks to OTL's.

It sure wasn't a "pretty" game last night by either team, but nonetheless, it was fairly entertaining. There were a lot of hits in that game, close to 30 for each team! In my "keys to the game" blog yesterday I said the Avs cannot be intimidated by this team, need to capitalize on PP chances, need to score the first goal, need to commit to winning as a team, and need to stave off injuries.

I would give them a 3/5 based on this. I though Colorado really tried to match the Ducks' physical play and they deserve some kudos because that's no easy task! The Avs certainly did NOT capitalize on PP chances though it's starting to show some signs of life, particularly when Forsberg is controlling the puck. We scored the first (and only) goal and for a while, I thought we might lose the lead but the team did a great job of committing to being responsible with/without the puck at both ends of the ice.

As far as injuries go, everyone in Avs-nation held their collective breath, I'm sure, when Forsberg was slashed by Perry in the first. Thankfully he was able to return after only a couple minutes. Was it bad Karma then as Perry would later be injured and now appears to be on the shelf for 6 weeks?

Surprisingly the only foot issue was with Foote near the end of the game. He took a hard shot off his skate and limped to the bench. Being the warrior he is, Foote tried to come out for the next shift but could only stay out for a few seconds before returning in pain. It is unknown, at this time, whether Foote is ok or not. Losing him would be a HUGE blow right now.

For the Avs, the season only gets harder as they face the Stars in a home-and-home miniseries this weekend. This a big test for Colorado as Dallas is absolutely on fire...though I heard there was a bad flu bug going around the dressing room so perhaps they will be without some big names (Richards, etc). These two games should prove to be exciting if nothing else!

As always: go AVS go!

Filed Under: Avs Avalanche Ducks Stars